Carlos Simón Excellence in Translational Research Award

Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD

Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. is a leader in higher education and an internationally recognized biologist specializing in reproductive science. Woodruff is President Emerita of Michigan State University (MSU) and MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Biology and Biomedical Engineering. Woodruff collaborated with oncologists, biomedical engineers, and policymakers to establish the field of oncofertility, developing novel approaches that enable cancer survivors to protect their fertility and endocrine health. With others, Woodruff devised a microfluidic system that simulates the endocrine feedback in the female reproductive system. Woodruff co-discovered metal regulatory signaling pathways in the maturing oocyte, at fertilization and in early embryogenesis in collaboration with Tom O’Halloran, known as the ‘zinc spark’, a fundamental signature of egg competency at the time of fertilization. Working at the national level, Woodruff championed the National Institutes of Health policy mandating the inclusion of both male and female biological variables in fundamental research.

Woodruff was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Joe Biden (2025) and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring by President Barack Obama (2011). She is a member of the Royal Society (2026); the American Philosophical Society (2026); the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2020); the National Academy of Medicine (2018); the National Academy of Inventors (2018); the American Institute for Medical and Biomedical Engineering (2017); the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation (2017); and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2006).

Previous recipients of the Carlos Simón Excellence in Translational Research Award:

2026 Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD
2025 Prof. David K. Gardner
2024 Dennis Lo, MD